After completing work to replace the outer layer of the stadium on the 300 level last week, construction crews have moved their work to the top of the Dome, installing new aluminum panels to the stadium's exterior walls.

Work is expected to be completed by April 2010.

The $19 million project, which was part of the $219 million Superdome renovation after Hurricane Katrina, was financed by $7 million from FEMA and $12 million from a 2008 state capital outlay bill.

Stadium officials said the work will not affect any events in the building, including the upcoming Saints season, which opens Aug. 14 with a preseason game against Cincinnati.

"This will not impact any events, " Superdome spokesman Bill Curl said. "The work is on the exterior of the building. The equipment and materials will not impede the ability of the fans to get to the Superdome."

Just as it is at the 300 level around the newly installed windows, the exterior will be light bronze, the same as the original Superdome finish. The new anodized aluminum exterior panels will have a "rainscreen" approach that sheds and controls -- but does not eliminate -- the penetration of water.

A 4-inch-thick layer of polyurethane foam separates it from the inner leaf, which provides an air/moisture barrier.

Also, a scaffold system has been designed to fit the curvature of the Superdome to install the panels. The panels are 12 inches by 25 feet long, and it will take approximately 16,000 of them. A bi-directional Kalzip FC facade system was researched, developed, tested and manufactured for the project to allow easy installation and replacement.

Dome officials said once the football season concludes, work on the next set of renovations, $85 million in upgrades that were approved in June by the state Legislature, will begin.

As part of those renovations, the plaza level sideline seats will be moved closer to the field, bringing improved sightlines, 3,100 additional sideline seats and improved seating for the disabled.

New club suites will be located under both sides of the new plaza level stands. The Dome's plaza level concourse will be widened by 50 feet, providing better access, more food service areas, more specialty stands, more souvenir stands and more restrooms.

The press box will be moved to the terrace level, and suites will be added on the 300 level.